Heart Songs Wednesday

Hello! I feel like it's been a long time...it has, sort of. So let's kick of this Wednesday with some praise and worship like we should everyday! (I'm telling you it makes a tremendous difference.)

Byron Cage- I Will Bless the Lord

  BLESS (AFFECTIONATELY, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!2  Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits--3  Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,4  Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;5  Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]! ....Psalm 103 

I'm overjoyed reading this Psalm by David. If you think about it, we should be considering this was written by a man that had to atone for his sins. He used the blood sacrifice of animals to just cover his sins from God. However we today have the Blood of the Lamb. Christ truly redeemed us and because of His sacrifice we know the true extent of God's loving-kindness and tender mercies. BLESS THE LORD OH MY SOUL...today, tomorrow and forevermore!

Jesus Culture- Oh Lord You're Beautiful

Jesus Culture- Your Love Never Fails

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Kita

Back to School 2011 | Spreading Joy

Back to School 2011 | Spreading Joy

We are blessed to be a blessing. Sow into the kingdom. Sow into these children's tomorrow.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Kita

Amy Carmichael: liberator of child slaves | Blue Letter Bible: The Blog

Amy Carmichael: liberator of child slaves | Blue Letter Bible: The Blog

Today

Today started later than planned....a lot later. I was angry.
Today getting the kids ready was tedious. I was angry.
Today I received a text. I was stuck.
Today I read a devotional. I was thankful.
Today I ran errands. I was thankful.
Today I explored Ikea. I was thankful.
Today I roasted potatoes. I was thankful.

Today I learned that a thankful heart brightens any circumstances. It isn't my circumstances that makes my day but my attitude. Thank you God for being so good I can never run out of things to be thankful for.

Thank you Mom for the text.

Thank you Joel and Victoria Osteen for the the devotional. If you don't receive their devotional, I encourage you to visit their site and sign up. It is a blessing every day to read their devotionals. The devotionals are short but powerful, a quick read to send the enemy scrambling for cover.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Kita

PS- One way to be a blessing is becoming a Champion of Hope and partnering with Joel and Victoria! Support their ministry and support kingdom building.

FREE!

Find it in His Word
Read the conditions
Every day stand on the promise, adhere to the conditions
Expect manifestation

Freedom

The blessing is free. What is stopping you from the promises of God?

The Summer Life of Bees

Tomorrow is the first day of summer break in our household and I'm excited to have all my Bees home for some summer fun. As excited as I may be, I still feel some pressure of making the summer enjoyable, managing a healthy, affordable (effortless!) diet, and continuing education.

So as I looked at our block schedule we use during the school year and noticed that without having to pick up and drop off my big girl to school, I've reclaimed nearly two hours of my day. Initially I was excited, but after thinking through my goals and blocking our time...the excitement waned. The reality is that is more time I have to entertain my children! By entertain I mean planned, productive activities.

Let me explain. I have five goal headings for this summer.

1. Financial Freedom. Still working on it and don't plan on blowing cash this summer! In addition to working on creating an additional source of income, but that's under wraps. I'll let you know in due time. ; )
2. Simple Summer Fun. Growing up I lived on the coast and there was not shortage of free fun around our parts. Living in Philly, I'm trying to recapture some of the simple summer pleasures to experience with my children. I'm sure I won't find a spot to go crabbing here, but I look forward to catching lightening bugs and blowing plenty of bubbles. 
3. Continuing Education. I don't plan on having  full school day, but I am going to work on some core areas with my little ones for their academic success. I promise no more than two hours a day! Plus reading! But reading is apart of summer fun! I also want to find some where for us to do some charitable work this summer. Honestly with my children age range it will be just gathering some things for the Goodwill and explaining what and why we are giving away the oh so loved_______ that I haven't seen or used in three months. (I believe you have to teach charity and service.) I also found a gem of a book called A Faith to Grow On....looking forward to devotionals with the Bees!
4. Cooking! I like to cook. I love to BAKE! I want to maintain our grocery budget but I also want to make room for some new meals to try. More importantly I want to come up with some easy, possibly cook-less meals that we can enjoy when it's just too hot to think about turning on a burner. I also am collecting homemade "instant" foods recipes like pizza rolls so I don't burst the budget buying those convenient snack foods.
5. Exercise! I need to loose some pounds. I was doing well but with the recent increase in summer produce and my love for baking, I've cookie, cobbled my way back to my weight starting point! So some good old self discipline and a good dose of ex-er- cise...I'm out of breathe just saying it. (LOL) I should be back on track to a healthy, (cuter) weight.

So what are your plans, goals, happenings this summer? If you are going on a lavish tropical getaway or a road trip PLEASE share! I love travel. Anyone in Philly with some know of good free summer fun? Who's having Vacation Bible School? Let me know!

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Kita

Repent!

Repent for the kingdom of God is near. Matthew 3:2

God gives forgiveness but you choose to repent.

re·pent - to  turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life; to change ones mind

Repenting is not saying "God forgive me."  You have to STOP committing the sin after you are forgiven!

★~  ☆ twinkle  ☆ ~★ 

Christ came...you missed it because you planned on grace and refused to repent.

LIVE HOLY. Keep your heart pure of sin.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!

 Matthew 5:8.

Repent for the kingdom of God is near.

 Matthew3:2

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Kita

Heart Songs Wednesday

Greetings! This week the first song was sent in by a reader! So I wanted to share for all to enjoy. The second song I think I've shared before, but I'm still singing it so here it is again. Last couple of songs are a couple of  oldie but goodies that I have been enjoying recently.

Vashawn Mitchell- Nobody Greater

Jesus Culture- You Are Faithful

Lamentations 3: 21-24 But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation: It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not.   They are new every morning; great andabundant is Your stability and faithfulness.   The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him. 

I KNOW! I shared this song last week but it has been so comforting for me through this season. What song ministers to you?

Pastor John P Kee and New Life  Community Choir- He'll Welcome Me

 Pastor John P Kee and New Life Community Choir- Jesus is Real

Family bless the Lord! Enjoy your day! Be blessed and be a blessing!

Matter Over Mind

There's a cliche, "mind over matter: if you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Well today, I don't deem my mind trustworthy enough to decide what matters. I was hurt. I was disappointed. I was shocked but all feelings aside I have to maintain my faith, it's all that matters.

I don't know what is to come. All I know is the victory is won. I know I look defeated, but I believe I'm a conqueror. So I returned to one of my comforting scriptures. "The Lord is my portion, says my soul. Therefore I hope in Him."

My mind doesn't matter right now. My feelings doesn't matter right now. What I see doesn't matter right now. I'm going to just stand on His word and wait. It's not as easy as writing this post, but I'll press pass the  hurt and the disappointment and press into Him. My comfort, my shelter, my all.

Be blessed and be a blessing.

What Did You Say?

 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Proverbs 18:21

What did you say? I encourage you to hold that though a little longer before it departs from your mouth. You are only fooling yourself with this thing man calls sarcasm.

Bless others with the fruit of your lips and be blessed.

And It Was Good

Bright Skies

Another day in the land of the living.

Another year of life for my girl.

Being with family and celebrating.

Being able to share so much with those I love.

Counting this time blessed.

God gave. And it was good.

Free To Be Real

It's Freedom Friday!  Today I want to speak to you about the freedom we have in Christ to be authentic. I'm still reading the book Your Secret Name and in the book he discusses the desire we have as humans to know who we are through our names. He speaks on given names like your birth name and another type of names...I call labels like fat, lame, witty, perfectionist and other adjectives. Some of us become self destructive running from these labels placed on us and some of us become superficial or over-achievers to create a name for ourselves or live up to these labels.

Well this morning I went to Reading Terminal with most of my Bees to meet my mother at one of my favorite places, Iovine Brothers Produce. During the commute I came in contact with the usual comments from on lookers like, "Do you have enough kids yet?" or "Stop while you're ahead." In all honesty it used to really shame me when complete strangers give me their two cents. I do understand that their opinions are based on assumptions based on what they see, but even knowing my truth it was embarrassing.  (my truth being: although my children vary in complexion they do share the same father, I can easily pass for thirteen, and I am married but  I never wear a ring.)

Thinking about the two things while at the park with the Bees, I was thankful that I know who I am in Christ. I no longer conform to this world and their standards based on appearance and the superficial. (Romans 12:2) I can be me and know that I am me for a reason and I know that the same me go through different seasons and tests to be a better me for the Kingdom.

I know a lot of people are dealing with acceptance from peers, parents, and community so your try being plastic to fit in. But I really believe that until you accept Christ and commit to living in the fear of God (according to His Word) acceptance will always be an issue for you.

The truth of the matter is we are spirit in a human body that is temporary. We all have this longing to belong and be accepted but instead of associating this feeling with spiritual longing and acceptance, we attribute the feeling to a human longing and acceptance and then we fall trapped to the lies of the enemy and all the trivial ways to try to fill that need.  These lies tell us we have to look like this, socialize with them, drive that, smoke this, buy that, sleep with them...and all the while the longing and becomes a crater and the more you try to fill it with these temporary, carnal things the more emptier you become.

So family, today I want to tell you: You are free to be real! God created you in His image to be authentic not a duplicate or a zombie mindlessly following the spiritual dead of this world. Through Christ we were quickened, made alive and through the renewing our mind in His word, we are transformed to a higher way of thinking and  life. My confession for today, But as for me, it is good to be near God... Psalm 73:28


I know from experience His words and my commitment to  praise will illuminate even the darkest nights. I choose to stay near God, because the world you are trying to impress being plastic will leave you when life gets hard but God...He will never leave you or forsake you. Be real, be blessed, and be a blessing.

Love 2 Love

He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue.

Proverbs 28:23

I make it a priority to speak encouraging words. I am blessed to have people in my life that bless me with their words. Recently, I asked my dearests to look over a couple of projects I was working on and as usual they gave me positive feedback, however I really desired some tough love criticism.  I wanted to be "rebuked" because I wanted to grow and improve. They gave me their praises instead. (I wouldn't call it flattery because to me flattery is empty words of praise spoken to later manipulate.) In conclusion, their responses were different from each other and different from what I desired however I treasured the honesty and tone of love in which it was presented.

Honesty and love should be our priority during communication. However it was just a short while ago, I had an issue with this. I would rather turn a blind eye to others falling short by encouraging what they were doing right and ignoring what they were doing wrong. (gasp)

I know the world would be quick to support this practice because they jump on the "only God can judge aka mind your business because I will do what I please bandwagon", but as a Christian omission is a form of deceit, which is manipulation, which is witchcraft and everyone can identify that as a sin. After thinking on the matter for a while, I came to the conclusion that the lie (by omission) wasn't the root of my problem but again it was fear. I feared upsetting others, being rejected by others more than I feared God. That's a BIG problem!

So to deal with this problem, I had to turn back to the Word. The word says:

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection].19  We love Him, because He first loved us.20  If anyone says, I love God, and hates (detests, abominates) his brother [in Christ], he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, Whom he has not seen.21  And this command (charge, order, injunction) we have from Him: that he who loves God shall love his brother [believer] also. 

1 John 4:18-21

Resolving my problem boiled down to love. 

1. Loving God. The Bible clearly says if you love God you will keep his commandments. I have to choose not to lie because I'm doing what is right according to God's Word then I should not fear rejection or offending others. That isn't to say that it will not happen but I should trust God that even if or when it does...ALL things are working for my good.

2. Loving others. I have to love others enough to tell them the truth in love. If I see my brother or sister in Christ falling short or struggling with sin, I am obligated to go to them in love and tell them. I am not going to stand judgement over them and I am not going to act as if I don't sin, but I will bring it to their attention. (maybe they don't know) I share with them the truth: to conquer sin we have to stand on the word of God.

Again I ask you, what is your confession? One of my confessions for conquering gluttony is "You satisfy me more than the richest foods." Speak the Word in to your fight for victory. The Bible says, In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God. We can inject God into your situations simply by speaking His words!

So family, I leave you with this: through Christ we are made righteous but we have to chose to be holy. As always God doesn't command something of us and leaves us to fend for ourselves. We are conquerors through Christ! Moment by moment we must rely on Him to direct our thoughts, feelings, actions so that we can live holy and see God. Do not be deceived in to thinking that rebuke from those that love you is judgement or condescending. They let you know because they love you and desires God's best for your life.  Be blessed and be a blessing... in love.

Heart Song Wednesday

This week I have a couple of songs I want to share and one special song.

Donald Lawrence- YRM  (Your Righteous Mind

Romans 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

Jesus Culture- You Are Faithful

Lamentations 3: 21-24 But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation: It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not.   They are new every morning; great andabundant is Your stability and faithfulness.   The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him. 

Happy Birthday Beans! I love you!

(she turned four today!)

Be blessed and be a blessing.

10 N 2

Hello Family,


I miss you all and I am going to get back on the blogging wagon.


What have I been up to you ask? As my father would say.. 10 N 2 as in 10 N 2 my business. (tending to if you missed that.). No smart mouthing intended, I literally been working on starting a business and still maintaining the Beehive.  My schedule has changed a lot and I'm still working on putting blogging in it's due place. 


I'm back now, and I'm still dedicated, so I will leave you all with one of my favorite scriptures.

I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

 Philippians 3:13-14

I'm still pressing my way and I pray that you are blessed and are a blessing to others. 

Yours truly.

Free to WIN!

Last Friday, I started my Free Fridays. I just wanted to share different freedoms that are manifesting in my life. Initially, I thought most of these post would be about how I'm working toward financial freedom, but so far it hasn't really taken that course.

Well today, I won! I won a three month subscription to E-mealz from fellow blogger Joni at Six Cherries On Top. Honestly, I'm super excited because this is the first blogging give away I won and even more exciting this is the first one I prayed to win. As I mentioned before I follow a lot of food and craft blogs as well as quite a few others with most of these blogs having great give aways like stand mixers and beautiful jewelry and quilts. I often enter to win thinking, that would be nice, or I could use that, but this entry was different.

How so? Well for starters, most blogs give you multiple entries via twitter and facebook. Sad but true, I'm usually not interested in doing so...I have a thing with sensory overload. I have your blog on my Reader and that is good enough for me, although the prize is enticing I often opt out. However with this blog, I tweeted and liked and did as many entries as possible because one, FINANCIAL FREEDOM! I really am declaring financial freedom in my life and controlling our grocery budget is a good step toward doing so. Second reason for wanting to win ever so badly, Dave Ramsey endorsed E-mealz so I'm confident I will find this to be a valuable, reputable service. Finally, I wanted to win because E-mealz have multiple plans that fit my family's eating habits and budget. 

I'm blessed yeah, yeah, I'm blessed! (still doing my victory dance.) I pray that you be blessed as well. Remember to be a blessing to others. Joni you are a blessing to me! Finally remember that through Christ we are victors in every area of our life. BE FREE TO WIN!

Go Kick Blocks

Today I kicked my blocks. I abandoned my block schedule to do some hardcore purging. I knocked out two bedrooms filled with too much stuff and I'm going hard on my bedroom tomorrow. 

Why the sudden urge to unclutter? There is expectancy in my spirit and I'm following my Leader, so please employ your patience as my life shifts. My blogging time is adjusting as is a lot of my priorities. But I LOVE YOU NONE THE LESS!

Be blessed and be a blessing.

Heart Songs Wednesday

Good Day! Today's song list will be a lot shorter than usual because I've been singing the same song all week. That song is A CAPELLA! 

JUST KIDDING! 

Seriously, I've been humming the same song because I don't know any of the words except beautiful. (It's kind of hard to do a Google search with just that.) Even though I don't know the words it still gives me a spirit of praise. I even went so far as to add some of my own words to it. I think God loves it, even if it does change every time I sing it. 

So sing your song family! Bless God with the fruit of your lips and I will spare you my rendition of A -Ca-pel- la.